WESTFIELD – A case of animal cruelty last week called attention to the need of loving homes for all homeless pets.
The following was posted on the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter’s Facebook page on July 28:
“2 men were fishing on the Westfield river when they heard this cat meowing. When they went to investigate they found this sweet girl. They knew right away that something was wrong and rushed her to our shelter. Someone had intentionally bound this cats 2 front feet. She was only able to move by using her back feet.”
The cat, which Animal Control Operations Manager Lori Charette, said has been named River, has been in and out of Blandford Animal Hospital since she was rescued last week.
As of Sunday afternoon, the WRAS Facebook page reported that River is starting to lick and clean the most injured paw, which is a great sign, according to hospital staff. The hope is that she won’t need to get one of her paws amputated.
Since River’s story is so tragic, requests to adopt her are pouring in, but Charette also wants the public to be aware that there are other cats (and dogs) at the shelter who need loving homes.
For instance, Feisty, who as seen in this photograph is obviously misnamed, is two years old and has been at the WRAS since June 24.
“She is a sweet mother to all the other cats,” said Charette on Friday.
Suzy is a senior Himalayan who came into the shelter when her neglectful owner dumped her here as a “stray,” according to Facebook. She had to be shaved due to severe matting.
“Suzy needs an owner that will love her and treat her like the queen she is,” a WRAS Facebook post states.
Three feral kittens, who will soon need homes, were brought in over the weekend.
Charette said that she can’t even hazard a guess as to when River, who is estimated to be five years old, will be available for adoption.
It costs $90 to adopt a cat from the WRAS, which includes the animal having all necessary shots, testing, being spayed/neutered and microchipped. It costs $165 to adopt a dog.
When people were inquiring about whether the WRAS needed donations for River’s care, this response was posted by shelter staff: “when does a municipal animal shelter not need money?”
Donations towards River’s care can be sent directly to Blandford Animal Hospital, 46 Woronoco Rd, Blandford, MA 01008.
Donations can also be sent to the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter, 178 Apremont Way, Westfield, MA 01085. In the memo area please write: “gift account.”
Additionally, anyone who may have information about River’s abuse can call the shelter at (413) 564-3129. All tips will remain anonymous.
Staff writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
